A dietitian from the famous Cleveland Clinic in the United States gives some advice on how to adapt your diet in the event of lymphoma.
- Lymphoma can take two forms: Hodgkin’s lymphoma or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma causes an overgrowth of Reed-Sternberg cells, abnormal forms of white blood cells.
- The term non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma includes all other types of lymphoma, which involve other immune cells.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system, which affects the lymphocytes. For Amanda Bode, a dietitian in the oncology department of the Cleveland Clinic in the United States, diet is an important factor for people affected by the disease. “When you’re undergoing treatment for lymphoma, or even if you’re looking to reduce your risk of getting it, eating the right foods is key.”she explains.Lymphoma treatment can decrease your energy level and suppress your appetite (…), which leads to muscle weakness and can shorten life expectancy”. A suitable diet helps maintain a healthy weight and a good level of energy.
Lymphoma: Limit animal fats
“Studies have found a link between a diet enriched with certain specific foods and a higher risk of lymphoma“, observes the specialist. She cites animal fats in the first place: meat, processed products derived from meat or even butter. These products are considered bad for your health when they are consumed in large quantities. example, theWorld Health Organization classified red meat as a probable human carcinogen and processed meat as a carcinogen. “This classification is based on “sufficient evidence” from epidemiological studies that the consumption of processed meat causes colorectal cancer in humans., says the WHO. As for animal fats, the association Lymphoma Canada recalls that they are not directly associated with cancer but that they increase the risk of obesity, “a disorder clearly associated with many types of cancer”. “Avoid foods high in saturated fat of animal origin such as meats, butter and cheesesrecommends the association. Also limit trans fats found in processed foods cooked in hydrogenated fats.”
Sugar, a food to avoid in case of lymphoma
Amanda Bode also advises against consuming sugar. As with fat, it is not directly associated with cancer, but increases the risk of obesity. “Try to limit or eliminate your consumption of drinks with added sugar (soft or fruit drinks), pastries and sweetssuggests Lymphoma Canada. When looking at nutrition labels on food packages, pay attention to the following ingredients: sugar, glucose, honey, corn syrup, fructose, maltose and dextrose. The latter are processed sugars, added in certain industrial preparations.
Refined or white cereals not recommended for patients
The dietician adds that products made from refined cereals, called white, are also to be avoided. It can be white bread, white pasta or white rice. They are to be replaced by complete or semi-complete cereals. In addition, the health professional recommends avoiding or even eliminating alcoholic and caffeinated drinks.
Lymphoma: what foods to eat?
Conversely, Amanda Bode advises consuming eggs, dried fruits, dairy products in reasonable quantities as well as fruits and vegetables. “They provide vitamins, minerals and fiber that can help maintain your energy levels, she expands. If you have mouth pain, make a smoothie or eat soft, cooked fruits and vegetables.” Sufficient protein consumption also helps preserve muscle mass. “Overall, remember that a healthy diet can help you prevent lymphoma or feel better during cancer treatmentr, concludes the specialist. And it’s never too late to start moving towards healthier foods.”
